Abstract: A method and a device for automatic triggering of deceleration of a vehicle for preventing a collision, which is accomplished by the fact that a variable, which represents a probability of collision with another vehicle, must exceed a predefinable threshold value, and the threshold value is variable as a function of the driver's response, the current driving situation, or the ambient situation. To determine the change in the threshold value, signals from a steering angle sensor, a brake pedal sensor, an accelerator pedal sensor, a device for determining the speed of the vehicle, a device for determining the uphill or downhill slope of the road, a device for determining the vehicle yaw rate, a device for determining the vehicle float angle or a device for detecting stationary and moving objects in the vicinity of the vehicle, in particular in the area in front of the vehicle, are analyzed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods designed to reduce the dangers presented by certain unintentional and intentional actions by drivers of motor vehicles, and more specifically to eliminating the panic-based, unintentional acceleration of motor vehicles by drivers in emergency situations as well as the intentional abuse of motor vehicle power by drivers.

Abstract: An intention estimation and operation assistance system for estimating an operator's intention and providing assistance to operation of a machine. Reference data, such as the operation of a plurality of hypothetical operators, is provided for comparison with the operation of a real operator, to determine an estimated intention of the operator. The estimated operator is utilized to alter the operation of the machine, to provide a safer and/or smoother operation experience in operating the machine.

Abstract: A vehicle control device using brake hydraulic pressure includes a hydraulic unit having a housing and an electronic control unit having a casing. The housing of the hydraulic unit is mounted on a mounting surface of the casing of the electronic control unit so that the casing of the electronic control unit protrudes from the housing of the hydraulic unit to one side. On the protruding area of the casing, a bulge is formed in which a vehicle behavioral sensor is mounted. A control connector is also provided on the protruding area of the casing. The bulge does not protrude from the substantially square contour of the vehicle control device. Thus, the bulge will scarcely increase the installation space of the vehicle control device. A vehicle behavioral sensor is mounted on a small substrate.

Abstract: A safety logic for vehicle rollover detection systems comprising a main rollover detection logic and at least one protection device for the occupant or occupants of the vehicle, including a vehicle lateral acceleration sensor (11), which generates an output signal indicating a near rollover event, when a lateral acceleration of a vehicle exceeds the first predefined threshold value (15) or, when a lateral acceleration of vehicle exceeds the second predefined threshold value (16) that is lower than the first predefined threshold value (15) and simultaneously at least one additional safety logic activation signal is present (1, 1?, 1?, 1??).

Abstract: A driving assisting system for assisting a driver in operating a vehicle. The system includes a detection assembly configured to obtain environment information related to an environment around the vehicle. A risk potential calculation device is provided to calculate risk potential associated with the vehicle based on the environment information. A controller causes a reaction force determined based on the calculated risk potential to be transmitted to the driver via an operator controlled input device in response to the calculated risk potential being a first type of risk potential, and causes a pressure force determined based on the calculated risk potential to be transmitted to the driver via equipment of the vehicle in response to the calculated risk potential being a second type of risk potential. The operator controlled input device is used by the driver to control the driving of the vehicle, and the equipment is different from the operator controlled input device.

Abstract: A motor vehicle multi-stage integrated brake assist (MSIBA) system, which can provide at least one brake assist level of a plurality of predetermined levels of brake assist (i.e., deceleration) less than or greater than the required amount of braking (i.e., deceleration) calculated by the MSIBA to avoid a collision with an obstacle at the time the driver initiates braking, but allows the driver to increase or remove the provided predetermined level of brake assist.

Abstract: An apparatus having a laser radar is used to recognize a pedestrian by detecting a position of reflective objects, mapping the objects in a two-dimensional coordinate system, determining whether the objects are moving, and grouping moving objects closely located with each other. Based on a size of an object group, the pedestrian associated with the object group is accurately recognized.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling automatic emergency braking of a motor vehicle to reduce the severity of a collision of a vehicle with an object, the position and/or speed of the object with respect to the host vehicle being determined via an object detection device, and this information being sent to a collision detection device which ascertains whether a collision with an object is imminent and, on detecting a collision, triggers emergency braking and ascertains a collision instant, emergency braking being terminated after the period of time until the determined collision instant has elapsed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method acquires acceleration data in a time series of a predetermined site of the tire during traveling of the vehicle, and removes an acceleration component due to a deformation of the tire from the acquired acceleration data to obtain a modified acceleration data, and performs frequency analysis of the modified acceleration data to obtain a frequency spectrum, and obtains an accumulated value of the frequency spectrum, and calculating a braking distance parameter for predicting a braking distance based on the obtained accumulated value, and obtains a predicted value of the braking distance of the vehicle based on the braking distance parameter calculated in the calculating part.

Abstract: A reverse braking system for a commercial vehicle including sensors (102) for detecting an object in the path of the vehicle when reversing such that a park brake air supply (108) is connected to the brake chambers (111) to apply the brakes automatically when an object is detected. The brakes can only then be released when the vehicle parking brake has been applied.

Abstract: An obstacle discrimination device for a vehicle includes an absorber arranged at a front surface of a bumper reinforce member in a bumper cover of the vehicle, a pressure detection unit, a vehicle velocity detection unit and an obstacle judgment unit. The absorber has therein at least one chamber, in which fluid is sealed. A pressure in the chamber which varies due to a collision of an obstacle with a bumper of the vehicle is detected by the pressure detection unit. A pedestrian is distinguished according to whether or nor the pressure exceeds a threshold value related to a velocity of the vehicle detected by the vehicle velocity detection unit.

Abstract: A collision detecting apparatus has a plurality of collision detecting means and a determination means for determining a collision based on at least one of outputs of the plurality of collision detecting means. Each of the collision detecting means has a crank member and a deformation detecting member disposed at the center of a middle portion of the crank member for detecting a deformation of the middle portion. Each of the crank member has a first extending portion extending from a first end of the middle portion and a second extending portion extending from a second end of the middle portion in a direction opposite to the first extending portion. A first collision detecting means and a second collision detecting means are arranged in opposite directions between a reinforcement member and one of side members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system for controlling a braking equipment of a motor vehicle in order to activate the braking equipment at a standstill of the motor vehicle such that braking forces are built up which are necessary to keep the motor vehicle in a state of standstill. To this end it is established on the basis of vehicle movements whether the vehicle is at a standstill. If vehicle movements are detected that cannot occur during driving modes of the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle is in a state of standstill. Subsequently, the braking equipment, and in particular a holding brake mechanism included in the braking equipment, are activated. In order to provide braking forces keeping the motor vehicle at a standstill also when it is on a slope, the braking equipment, and in particular the holding brake mechanism, are controlled in response of the vehicle inclination present in the state of standstill.

Abstract: There is provided an electromechanical actuator for a parking brake system of a vehicle, including an electric motor, reduction gear train associated with the motor for transmitting motion from the motor to a single power transmission chain sprocket, one power transmission chain section drivable by the sprocket partly encircling one sheave, rotatably mounted on a free longitudinally movable pulley block, an end of the power transmission chain being attached to a first stationary anchor point, and a connector connecting the pulley block to the vehicle's parking brake system.

Abstract: In a parking assist control apparatus for assisting a driver with parking a vehicle, when a brake control ECU detects that a door is open based on a detection signal from a door open/close sensor during parking assist control, the brake control ECU determines whether the open door is a door other than the driver side door. If the open door is a door other than the driver side door, the vehicle is automatically stopped, thus enabling occupant safety to be ensured.

Abstract: This patent discloses a vehicle having mounted therein a safety system. The safety system may indicate contact between an external object and the vehicle as the vehicle moves in reverse gear. The indication of contact may include automatically shutting down the vehicle engine, engaging the hand braking system of the vehicle, and honking the vehicle horn. The reverse drive safety system for a vehicle may include arms, a sensor cable that may extend between the arms and connect to a sensor spool. The reverse drive safety system additionally may include a sensing device to sense whether an external object has contacted the sensor cable or the arms and may include an electric motor that winds and unwinds the sensor cable based on a signal from the sensing device or a signal from a reverse indicator. The electric motor also may engage and disengage the vehicles hand brake system based on a signal from the sensing device and the reverse indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus for externally controlling one or more brakes on a vehicle having a pressurized fluid braking system. The apparatus can include a pressurizable vessel that is adapted for fluid-tight coupling to the braking system. Impact to the rear of the vehicle by a pursuit vehicle, shooting a target mounted on the vehicle or sending a signal from a remote control can all result in the fluid pressures in the braking system of the vehicle being modified so that the vehicle is stopped and rendered temporarily inoperable. A control device can also be provided in the driver's compartment of the vehicle for similarly rendering the vehicle inoperable. A driver or hijacker of the vehicle preferably cannot overcome the stopping action from the driver's compartment.

Abstract: A system and method assists a driver of a motor vehicle. Driver operation, vehicle motion and vehicle environment are detected. The detected driver operation, vehicle motion and vehicle environment are evaluated. Based on the evaluation, the driver is prompted to effecting a change in driver operation by applying at least one of braking torque to the motor vehicle and additional reaction force at the accelerator. The change in driver operation is in such a direction as to restrain an increase in degree with which the obstacle is coming close to the motor vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided a rearward displacement prevention mechanism for a control pedal, which is constructed such that a front end of a pedal bracket supporting a control pedal such that the control pedal is capable of pivoting is connected to a vehicle compartment side of a dash panel that separates an engine room and a vehicle compartment from each other, a rear end of the pedal bracket is mounted on a cowl top panel disposed at the upper side of the dash panel via a releasing mechanism, and a regulating device is provided in the vehicle compartment to be opposed to the cowl top panel. With this arrangement, the pedal bracket can be surely released by operation of the releasing mechanism even in the case where the cowl top panel and the dash panel are moved rearward at the same time.

Abstract: Methods of performing threat assessment of objects for a vehicle include detecting an object. Kinematics of the vehicle and of the object are determined. A brake threat number and a steering threat number are determined in response to the kinematics of the vehicle and the object. The threat posed by the object is determined in response to the brake threat number and the steering threat number.

Abstract: An electrically actuated parking brake system and actuator therefor. The actuator includes a motor having a drive shaft, and a gear train coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the gear train provides at least one mechanical output from the actuator. The gear train may include a drive gear coupled to the drive shaft, a driven gear coupled to the drive gear, and a planetary gear set coupled to the driven gear. Various configurations are provided for isolating actuator components for controlling audible noise, including sub-frame isolation configurations, motor isolation configurations, and gear train isolation configurations.

Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes a brake mechanism for individually braking wheels, and a brake controller for controlling the brake mechanism against an oblique collision from behind or an offset collision with a host vehicle. The controller includes a collision predictor, a collision direction detector, and a colliding object speed detector. In accordance with a prediction signal transmitted from the collision predictor, a detection signal transmitted from the collision direction detector and a detection signal transmitted from the colliding object speed detector, the controller controls the operation of the brake mechanism to allocate braking forces to the respective wheels so as to prevent the turning of the host vehicle in a collision.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for releasing an automotive pedal in a crash includes mounting a pedal pivot pin by separable housing pieces fit to the pin to support the pedal for normal operation. One of the housing pieces is hinged to be able to swing away when disconnected from the other housing piece in a crash to release the pedal. The housing pieces are held together by locking clips gripping abutting upper portions of the housing pieces, the clips in turn held in position by a blocking portion of a retainer which is shifted in a crash to allow the clips to disengage. The surfaces gripped by the clips are sloped so that a reaction force on the pin creates a disengaging force on the clips to produce a very rapid release of the clips when the retainer is shifted in a crash. The retainer is located in its clip retention position by locating elements which are sheared off in a crash.

Abstract: The braking system of a vehicle is securely engaged in response to the operator of the vehicle causing the vehicle to stop. The braking system improves vehicle safety by remaining securely engaged upon detection of a fault such as a vehicle collision, an unintentional transmission shift, a vehicle malfunction or a problem with the operator or operation of the vehicle. In the event of a collision, securely engaged brakes can significantly reduce resulting vehicle acceleration, potentially avoiding a secondary collision and reducing injuries experienced by the vehicle operator and passengers. In the event that no fault is detected, the braking system is disengaged in response to the operator accelerating the vehicle, either by pressing the gas pedal or releasing the brake pedal, thereby making the securely engaged brakes virtually unperceivable under normal operating circumstances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake pedal push-prevention structure of a vehicle. The structure has an active stopper formed between an upper steering shaft and a universal joint of a lower steering shaft. The active stopper is positioned in front of the brake pedal to prevent the brake pedal from being pushed toward the driver during a car crash, thereby potentially reducing injury to the driver's leg and improving the safety of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of deciding with a high reliability whether an impact with the front side of a vehicle has been caused by a pedestrian is described. Two decision criteria are formed, and only if both decision criteria are met is it decided an impact with a pedestrian has occurred. The first decision criterion is determined by the fact that the pressures or deformations measured by a sensor on the bumper and a sensor in the area of the front edge of the engine hood are compared with reference quantities typical of impact with a pedestrian. The second decision criterion is determined by the fact that the changes in velocity and/or acceleration of the vehicle caused by an impact are determined, and then the changes in velocity and/or acceleration are compared with reference quantities which are typical of impact with a pedestrian.

Abstract: A system for use with a motor vehicle that minimizes injury after a loss of control event. The motor vehicle has at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel and an engine. The system includes a control which detects a loss of control event and automatically actuates a brake system and/or a steering system and/or commands an engine controller to reduce power output of an engine.

Abstract: A releasable brake pedal system 10 for a vehicle includes a pedal assembly 12 operatively engageable by the driver of the vehicle and a hydraulic actuator assembly 20 for generating pressurized hydraulic fluid for actuating one or more brakes 44A-44D. The pedal system 10 further includes a pressure release valve 30 or 30′ coupled in fluid communication with the pressurized hydraulic fluid. The pressure release valve 30 or 30′ is operative to reduce the amount of pressure applied to the brakes 44A-44D during a detected vehicle deceleration indicative of a collision event. The pressure release valve 30 is responsive to a deceleration sensor 40 according to one embodiment, and valve 30′ employs a deceleration sensitive inertial mass 76 according to another embodiment. Accordingly, the pedal system 10 reduces forces that may otherwise be transferred to the pedal assembly 12 during a collision.

Abstract: Device for motor vehicles designed to prevent traffic accidents or to reduce their injurious consequences. The extent of injuries in traffic accidents can be reduced significantly by employing the vehicle bumper (1) as a crumple (deformation) zone. A sensor (2) is used to record this distance from and speed relative to an obstacle in the direction of travel. When a collision is unavoidable, one end of the bumper (1) is projected outward by a propellant charge (13) so that, together with a strut (17, 22, 24), if forms a crumple zone ahead of the vehicle. The device can also be provided with a system to warn of dangerous traffic situations, and to brake the vehicle automatically or reduce its speed if the risk of a collision exists. In the case of trucks and buses, the bumper (1) may be deployed by means of a pneumatic cylinder (4) and valve (7), which are controlled by the vehicle's ordinary speedometer. The bumper remains depolyed above a certain threshold speed.

Abstract: A safety interlock system for a motor vehicle having a braking system capable of actively applying the vehicle brakes with an object sensor capable of detecting the presence of an object such as a pedestrian in the danger zone at the front of the vehicle, a door sensor capable of detecting the open or closed state of the vehicle exit doors, an interlock override switch and a control circuit. The control circuit is capable of activating the safety interlock system when a door open signal is received from said door sensor. When the safety interlock system is activated the control circuit is capable of activating the vehicle brakes to prevent motion of the vehicle when an object signal is received from the object sensor. The control circuit deactivates the safety interlock system at a predetermined time after receiving a door closed signal or an override signal.

Abstract: A collision avoiding system is provided to enhance a collision avoiding effect by stabilizing a vehicle behavior during automatic braking. Steering controlling apparatus includes not only an ordinary electric power steering control unit but also an active steering reaction calculating unit for driving a motor of a steering system to compensate for the influence of disturbances, if the vehicle is shocked by an unusual bounce from an uneven road or the like. When obstacle detecting apparatus such as a laser-radar detects an obstacle which requires operation of automatic braking, a control parameter changing unit receives the automatic braking activating signal to make a change in the control parameters for an active steering reaction control.

Abstract: A motion control system controls a vehicle so as to avoid contacting an obstacle in front of the vehicle by applying a braking force or a turning force to the vehicle. In particular, the turning force is applied to the vehicle to avoid the obstacle by turning the vehicle when the system judges that the vehicle can not avoid contact with the obstacle with deceleration presently applied. The turning force is calculated by comparing a first turning force necessary to make a turn to avoid the obstacle with a second turning force presently applied to the vehicle. The system generates the turning force presently applied to the vehicle. The system generates the turning force by controlling at least one of a braking force of a selected wheel, a front wheel steering mechanism and a rear wheel steering mechanism.

Abstract: A releasable brake pedal system 10 for a vehicle includes a pedal assembly 12 operatively engageable by the driver of the vehicle and a hydraulic actuator assembly 20 for generating pressurized hydraulic fluid for actuating one or more brakes 44A-44D. The pedal system 10 further includes a pressure release valve 30 or 30′ coupled in fluid communication with the pressurized hydraulic fluid. The pressure release valve 30 or 30′ is operative to reduce the amount of pressure applied to the brakes 44A-44D during a detected vehicle deceleration indicative of a collision event. The pressure release valve 30 is responsive to a deceleration sensor 40 according to one embodiment, and valve 30′ employs a deceleration sensitive inertial mass 76 according to another embodiment. Accordingly, the pedal system 10 reduces forces that may otherwise be transferred to the pedal assembly 12 during a collision.

Abstract: The braking system of a vehicle is securely engaged in response to the operator of the vehicle causing the vehicle to stop. The braking system remains securely engaged upon detection of a fault such as a vehicle collision, a vehicle malfunction or a problem with the operator or operation of the vehicle, thereby improving vehicle safety. In the event of a collision, securely engaged brakes can significantly reduce resulting vehicle acceleration, potentially avoiding a secondary collision and reducing injuries experienced by the vehicle operator and passengers. In the event that no fault is detected, the braking system is disengaged in response to the operator accelerating the vehicle, either by pressing the gas pedal or releasing the brake pedal, thereby making the securely engaged brakes virtually unperceivable under normal operating circumstances. The rate of release of the braking system is responsive to the gas pedal position.

Abstract: There is provided a pedal apparatus for vehicles, which comprises a pedal reaction-force addition means 4 for adding a reaction force to a pedal 1 of a vehicle, a pedal force detection means 2 for detecting a force added to the pedal 1, a pedal reaction-force control means 3 for adjusting the output of the pedal reaction-force addition means 4. During the running of the vehicle, the pedal reaction-force control means 3 performs the adjustment of a reaction force of the pedal on the basis of the driving environment of the vehicle and the driver's intention and judgement in pedal operation in the driving environment, whereby it is ensured that when the driver has no intention of operating the pedal, the driver can sufficiently place his or her foot on the pedal and that when he driver has any intention of operating the pedal, the driver can realize a smooth pedal operation.

Abstract: The braking system of a vehicle is securely engaged in response to the operator of the vehicle causing the vehicle to stop. The braking system improves vehicle safety by remaining securely engaged upon detection of a fault such as a vehicle collision, an unintentional transmission shift, a vehicle malfunction or a problem with the operator or operation of the vehicle. In the event of a collision, securely engaged brakes can significantly reduce resulting vehicle acceleration, potentially avoiding a secondary collision and reducing injuries experienced by the vehicle operator and passengers. In the event that no fault is detected, the braking system is disengaged in response to the operator accelerating the vehicle, either by pressing the gas pedal or releasing the brake pedal, thereby making the securely engaged brakes virtually unperceivable under normal operating circumstances.

Abstract: A vehicle stability control apparatus including a vehicle running stability control device for controlling an automotive vehicle for stable running of the vehicle, and a braking device for applying a brake to the vehicle, wherein a hazard detecting device or detecting a hazardous condition of the vehicle such as a collision of the vehicle with an obstacle and a deviation of the vehicle from the nominal running path, and an automatic brake application device is operable to activate the braking device, when the hazardous condition is detected at least during an operation of the vehicle running stability control device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for preventing the passage of preferably an unmanned mining vehicle. The invention is based on the idea of providing a mining vehicle, such as a loading vehicle, with a mast (7) arranged on its upper outer structure and extending above other portions of the vehicle. In connection with the mast there is provided an emergency stop switch. Furthermore, at the upper portion of a mine gallery, or a similar operating site, is provided a barrier boom reachable to the mast for bordering the accepted travel area of the mining vehicle. If the mining vehicle tries to leave the accepted area, the mast hits the barrier boom and thus triggers the switch arranged in connection with the mast, thereby causing the mining vehicle to stop.

Abstract: A method for determining an initiation threshold value for an automatic braking process, in which an automatic braking process is used and a brake pressure is produced which is greater than the brake pressure which corresponds to the operation of the brake pedal by the driver. Short distances between vehicles increase the risk of accidents. If a driver operates the brakes when there is a short distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle, in the vast majority of cases, the driver of the following vehicle is often required to perform an emergency braking due to the short distance between the vehicles. To improve the safety of vehicles, an emergency braking is performed, as quickly as possible, when the distance between vehicles is short. This emergency braking, within what is physically possible, ensures rapid deceleration of the vehicle and thus helps to avoid rear-impact accidents.

Abstract: A system and method for actuating a brake system (20) of an automotive vehicle that has an airbag controller (12) which generates an airbag activation signal in response to a predetermined vehicle condition such as deceleration. A speed sensor (34) is used to generate a speed signal in response to vehicle speed. A brake controller receives the speed signal and the airbag activation signal. The brake controller (20) actuates brakes (24) of automotive vehicle (10) in response to the vehicle speed signal indicative of at least a predetermined speed and the airbag activation signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the activation of a safety device associated with a vehicle pedal in a vehicle including an engine compartment, a pedal arm, a push rod connected to the pedal arm, and an acting rod for acting upon the push rod, the apparatus comprising an actuator for releasing the push rod from the pedal arm upon actuation thereof, and a sensor for actuation of the actuator in response to detection of a condition of the vehicle corresponding to a collison, the sensor being disposed in a zone within the vehicle defined by first and second distances displaced from the front edge of the vehicle, these distances being selected whereby the zone defines a location in which deformation occurs upon a collision at a predetermined speed and corresponding to minimum and maximum time delays for activation of the sensor after deformation of the vehicle.

Abstract: The safety brake system for a motor vehicle continuously monitors for a rear impact collision. If the rear impact is classified as one requiring responsive intervention, the system applies a braking force to the motor vehicle wheels. If the vehicle was stopped with the brake applied at the instant of the rear impact, then the brakes are completely blocked. As a result, the brakes are not released when the driver's foot is forced off the brake pedal upon impact and the resultant forward jerk of the vehicle is reduced or substantially suppressed. If the car was traveling a given speed at the instant of impact, the brakes are applied with a reduced braking force.

Abstract: The braking system of a vehicle is securely engaged in response to the operator of the vehicle causing the vehicle to stop. The braking system improves vehicle safety by remaining securely engaged upon detection of a fault such as a vehicle collision, an unintentional transmission shift, a vehicle malfunction or a problem with the operator or operation of the vehicle. In the event of a collision, securely engaged brakes can significantly reduce resulting vehicle acceleration, potentially avoiding a secondary collision and reducing injuries experienced by the vehicle operator and passengers. In the event that no fault is detected, the braking system is disengaged in response to the operator accelerating the vehicle, either by pressing the gas pedal or releasing the brake pedal, thereby making the securely engaged brakes virtually unperceivable under normal operating circumstances.

Abstract: The braking system of a vehicle is securely engaged in response to the operator of the vehicle causing the vehicle to stop. The braking system remains securely engaged upon detection of a fault such as a vehicle collision, a vehicle malfunction or a problem with the operator or operation of the vehicle, thereby improving vehicle safety. In the event of a collision, securely engaged brakes can significantly reduce resulting vehicle acceleration, potentially avoiding a secondary collision and reducing injuries experienced by the vehicle operator and passengers. In the event that no fault is detected, the braking system is disengaged in response to the operator accelerating the vehicle, either by pressing the gas pedal or releasing the brake pedal, thereby making the securely engaged brakes virtually unperceivable under normal operating circumstances. The rate of release of the braking system is responsive to the gas pedal position.

Abstract: A system for use with a motor vehicle that minimizes injury after a loss of control event. The motor vehicle has at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel and an engine. The system includes a control which detects a loss of control event and automatically actuates a brake system and/or a steering system and/or commands an engine controller to reduce power output of an engine.

Abstract: A pedal supporting structure in which a pedal is prevented from being moved in a direction toward a passenger compartment if a deformation occurs in a dash panel in the direction toward the passenger compartment. A pedal bracket pivotally supports a lever portion of the pedal. A connection mechanism disengageably engages a portion of the pedal bracket to a body member located near the pedal bracket. A guiding mechanism guides movement of the pedal bracket so that the movement of the pedal bracket causes movement of the pedal relative to the body member in a rear-to-front direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A brake pedal supporting structure designed for a brake pedal of a car having a pedal arm coupled with a mounting bracket attached to a dash panel and a cowl panel to rotate via an actuating rod and a hinge point of a brake booster, wherein pedal arm pushing preventing means is fixed at the rear portion of the pedal arm to face a predetermined interval of the total length of the pedal arm including the hinge point to prevent the pedal arm from being pushed to the rear by the brake booster which will be pushed toward the inside of the car room at the time of a head-on colliding car crash, thereby keeping the pedal arm from being pushed toward the rear of the chassis or enabling the lower portion of the pedal arm to rotate to the front of the chassis to rule out an impact given by the pedal arm onto the driver's lower body and reduce the possibility of the injury at the time of the head-on colliding car crash.

Abstract: The braking system of a vehicle is securely engaged in response to the operator of the vehicle causing the vehicle to stop. The vehicle being stopped is determined in response to several conditions including a predetermined time of stopping as well as suspensions settling time. The braking system remains securely engaged in the event of a moving vehicle colliding with the stopped vehicle. The braking system also remains securely engaged even if the foot of the operator is removed from the vehicle's brake pedal. The braking system is disengaged in response to the operator accelerating the vehicle, such as the operator's pressing of the vehicle's gas pedal, release of the vehicle's clutch and/or release of the vehicle's brake pedal. The rate of release of the braking system is responsive to the gas pedal position. The braking system is released rapidly in response to a substantially depressed gas pedal to facilitate a rapid start.

Abstract: If a driver of a vehicle has slowed-down the vehicle, a deceleration controller does not apply deceleration to the vehicle within a specified time after the driver has finished slowing-down of the vehicle. The deceleration controller is a device that automatically decelerates the vehicle if a distance between the vehicle and another vehicle running in front of the vehicle is less than a specific distance to avoid collision of the two vehicles.